After the Move: How to Settle Into Your New Home with Ease

Making a move to a new home comes with a lot to think about and so many details to take care of. Once you’ve got all your belongings packed up and hauled to the new place, however, only half the work is done; now it’s time to get unpacked, decorate, and get settled in. This can be a pretty big job, especially considering all the work that goes into the move itself, but there are a few simple ways you can ensure that settling in will go smoothly and quickly.

Staying organized is a major factor, and this should begin before the move. Packing smart -- such as keeping items from the same room together, writing out packing lists for the outside of each box, and saving cleaning supplies to be packed last -- will help tremendously when it’s time to get things put into place.Keep reading for some tips on how to settle into your new home easily.

Take Care of Details First

If possible, take care of as many details as you can before the move, such as changing your address with the post office, finding out when trash day is, and getting utilities hooked up. You may need to schedule some of these, such as cable and internet, so it’s a good idea to do that first so you can have them come to the new home as soon as possible.

Get the Layout

It’s a good idea to take photos of the layout of your new home so you can visualize where you want furniture and decor to go ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time and effort once you get things moved in, especially if your new place has several rooms. It will also allow you to get a feel for any potential safety or security issues and see where any repairs or updates will need to be made, such as insulating the hot water heater or installing new window coverings.

Get the Closets in Order

Even if you have some time off work in order to get your new home into shape and won’t need your closet to be organized just yet, knowing that all your clothing and shoes are in place will give you peace of mind. No one likes living out of a suitcase, and during a move, many people are forced to do just that before heading to the new place. Once you’ve gotten the closets and drawers filled, move on to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are the spaces that will need at least basic unpacking to be done first.

Declutter

Keeping your home clean and neat from the very beginning will help you stay organized and have a positive effect on your mental health. Declutter as you unpack -- if you haven’t done so already -- and don’t be afraid to get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore. Make a pile for trash and one for items to be donated, and clean each space before you put things away. Store your belongings wisely; for instance, if you now have an attic space, be careful about what you place there. You may be tempted to use it as a placeholder for things that don’t have a permanent home just yet, but it will be all too easy to forget about them once you’ve finished unpacking.

Incorporating plants into your decor will help make the air healthier in your home and give the space a more open feel, so look for ways to place them around each room.

Turn Your Backyard Into a Retreat

One fantastic way that you can transform your new house into a home is by creating a comforting and welcoming space in your backyard. If you have a green thumb, start a small garden filled with flowers, herbs, or vegetables. You can also create a vibrant “living fence” consisting of trees and shrubs. And if you want some color in your backyard all year ‘round, consider planting some evergreens. Before long, you’ll have a comfy space all your own.

Settling into a new home can take some time, especially if you have kids and/or pets to think of. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to get everything done in one week; focus on one space at a time, if possible, and don’t let stress take over. Enjoy your new home!